Travel Guide

Bali

Golf in Bali

advertisement

You could make golf the sole reason for a trip to Bali. The island has world-class 18-hole courses and a charming 9-hole course. They are all different in style; one in the cool of the mountains, three others fringed by the sea, and the Bali Beach 9-hole course (tel. 0361/287-7333; www.balibeachgolfcourse.com) in the flat lands of Sanur.

The Indonesian Open, the first PGA tour event to visit Bali, was played, to much success, in 2009 at the newest of the courses, New Kuta Golf (tel. 0361/848-1333; www.newkutagolf.com) at Pecatu.

The longest admired of Bali's courses is the Greg Norman -- designed Nirwana (tel. 0361/815960; www.nirwanabaligolf.com) at Le Meridien, facing Pura Tanah Lot. This course has won many accolades over the years, among them Best Golf Course in Asia 2005 by Asian Golf Monthly. Another course is the Bali Golf and Country Club (tel. 0361/771791; www.baligolfandcountryclub.com) in Nusa Dua.

Prices reflect the high quality of the courses, but check with your hotel, as many have discounted arrangements. Book ahead. Pro shops mainly sell only golf accessories and clothing although they do provide very good golf club and sometimes shoe hire at differing levels and price points.

Somewhat surprisingly given the level of tourism on the island, Lombok has two decent courses. The Lombok Golf Kosaido Country Club (tel. 0370/640137) close to the Oberoi Hotel, was designed and is owned by the same people who have brought you the Bali Handara Kosaido course. The other, the Rinjani Country Club Golf & Resort (tel. 0370/627396) is actually on the side of Mount Rinjani, only 20 minutes from Mataram. Both thankfully are far more competitively priced than their Bali counterparts, with prices ranging from US$65 to US$85 including greens fee and caddy, although a buggy is extra and costs US$25 at Kosaido. You have to walk at Rinjani. Both will rent you clubs and even shoes.

Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.